Kellie Pickler Splits With Sony Music Nashville

Country star Kellie Pickler has split with her record label, Sony Music Nashville, her rep confirms. Country Music Tattletale first reported rumors of the break Wednesday (June 27). Later in the day, Pickler's manager, Larry Fitzgerald, confirmed the news in a statement to ABC News Radio that read, "Kellie’s contract with Sony came to an end and they mutually decided not to renew.”

Pickler, who first rose to fame as a contestant on the fifth season of 'American Idol,' signed with 19 Recordings and BNA Records (under the Sony umbrella) in 2006 after placing sixth on the show. Her debut album 'Small Town Girl' was released in September of that year and went gold, placing two hit singles with 'Red High Heels' and 'I Wonder.'

Pickler's self-titled second album in 2008 gave the singer two more hits in 'Don't You Know You're Beautiful' and 'Best Days of Your Life.' In January 2012, the 26-year-old singer released her third album, '100 Proof,' which has not performed as well as her previous outings. Its first single, 'Tough,' peaked at No. 30, while the title song fizzled at No. 50 in April.

Her departure from Sony might not have been completely unexpected. “I’m still always gonna make music regardless of whether or not I have a record deal," Pickler told ABC News Radio in January while promoting the release of '100 Proof.'